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ffmpeg Node

n8n Node for some Ffmpeg functionality
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Overview

This node provides video processing capabilities focused on trimming and merging video segments based on user-defined highlights. It allows users to input a video URL and specify multiple highlight segments with start and end times, which the node then extracts and merges into a single output video. Optionally, transitions can be added between these trimmed segments to create smooth visual effects.

Common scenarios where this node is beneficial include:

  • Creating highlight reels from longer videos by extracting key moments.
  • Editing event footage to focus on important parts without manual video editing software.
  • Automatically generating summarized videos for presentations or social media.

For example, a user could input a full-length lecture video URL and specify highlights such as the introduction, main topics, and conclusion. The node would then produce a shorter video containing only those segments, optionally adding fade transitions between them.

Properties

Name Meaning
Video Url A valid URL pointing to the source video to be processed.
Video Highlights JSON-formatted array of objects specifying highlight segments. Each object contains highlight_reason (description) and highlight_time (time range in "HH:MM - HH:MM" format). Example: [{"highlight_reason": "Introduction", "highlight_time": "00:00 - 00:10"}, {"highlight_reason": "Main event", "highlight_time": "01:00 - 01:30"}].
Add Transitions Boolean flag indicating whether to add transitions between the trimmed video segments.
Transition Type Type of transition effect to apply between segments if transitions are enabled. Options: Cross Zoom, Dissolve, Fade, Wipe Left, Wipe Right.
Transition Duration Duration in seconds for each transition effect applied between video segments.

Output

The node outputs a merged video composed of the specified highlight segments extracted from the original video. If transitions are enabled, these are applied between segments according to the selected type and duration.

  • The output is typically provided as a binary video file within the node's output data.
  • The json output field may contain metadata about the processed video, such as segment details or processing status.
  • Binary data represents the final trimmed and merged video ready for download or further workflow steps.

Dependencies

  • Requires access to the source video via a valid URL.
  • Depends on an external video processing backend or API (likely ffmpeg-based) configured through an API key credential.
  • The node expects proper configuration of this API authentication within n8n credentials.
  • No other explicit environment variables or services are indicated in the static code.

Troubleshooting

  • Invalid Video URL: Ensure the provided video URL is accessible and points to a supported video format.
  • Malformed Highlights JSON: The Video Highlights property must be a correctly formatted JSON string representing an array of objects with highlight_reason and highlight_time. Invalid JSON will cause parsing errors.
  • Transition Errors: If transitions are enabled but the type or duration is invalid or unsupported, the node may fail or produce unexpected results.
  • API Authentication Failures: Missing or incorrect API credentials will prevent video processing.
  • Timeouts or Large Videos: Processing very large videos or many segments might lead to timeouts or resource exhaustion depending on the backend limits.

To resolve errors:

  • Validate all inputs carefully before execution.
  • Check API key validity and permissions.
  • Reduce the number or length of highlight segments if performance issues occur.

Links and References

  • FFmpeg Documentation – For understanding video trimming and transitions.
  • JSON Syntax Guide – To ensure correct formatting of the highlights array.
  • n8n Community Forums and Docs for configuring API credentials and troubleshooting node executions.

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